In a recent interview (mentioned in the print edition of L’Equipe), Tottenham Hotspur full-back Serge Aurier has offered an update on his future. The Spurs defender said (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness),
“If I wanted to extend at Tottenham I would have done so already.
“I have never hidden my desire to come back to PSG one day. This is my heart club, the one I support, I feel free to talk about it. But I don’t want people to think I’m kicking my foot out and closing the door on anyone. But if the club make a proposal this summer, PSG will be one of my top picks for sure.”
Aurier’s Tough Season At The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Aurier has experienced a difficult campaign with the North London outfit as he has struggled to find consistency with his performances as Spurs’ first-team right-back. The ex-Toulouse defensive ace has featured in 27 matches for his current employers this term, registering two goals and three assists in various competitions.
The 28-year-old is prone to making errors at the back but has done well to average 2.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.1 clearances, 0.7 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League this season. He has also been accurate when distributing possession from the right flank after completing 80.4% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Aurier has failed to help Spurs secure a top-four place in the English top-flight this season and is about to enter the final year of his Tottenham contract. Hence, Daniel Levy will have no choice but to cash in on him in the coming months or else risk losing him as a free agent at the end of next season.
Is Aurier’s Time At North London Coming To An End?
Aurier has decent pace under his belt and can make some quick sprints down the right-wing. He has got the energy to get to the by-line and can whip in some pin-point crosses into the opposition penalty box.
The Ivory Coast international can be a strong presence at the back but tends to commit some poor defensive mistakes which have cost Spurs in some of the high-profile matches in the recent past. Therefore, it is only fair to the player if Tottenham allows him to leave and seal a move back to PSG this summer.
Levy needs to find someone more reliable than Aurier if he wants to build a team capable of challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League next season. With all things considered, it seems like the Ivory Coast sensation’s time at the English capital is coming to an end as both the player and the club can benefit from parting ways with each other this summer in search of some success in the years to come.
